Filling out an application form....

jen007

This is the first time in my job search i've had to fill out an application form, I can't remember the last time I filled one out and it's daunting I'm dyslexic, so that doesn't help.. I'm at the part of 'current/previous employment' and i'm stuck.

What do I write for 'salary and other benefits'. Can I leave the salary blank, I work as an Ad Hoc waitress at the moment and it's only minimum wage plus any tips. I'm contracted for 0 hours.

It's also asking for the 'nature of the business', what do I write here? It's a private caterer at a golf club.

I'm also stuck on what my main duties and responsiblilites are as a waitress. I'm applying for a residential child care related role and i'm finding it hard to tie in the waitressing to this role i'm applying for.

It also asks me why i'm applying for the role, specifically 'Please give reasons for applying for this post. We are particularly interested in your reflections on your own personal history and the experiences which have shaped you.'
Is it too personal to mention my own previous dealings with domestic abuse and child protection issues?

I know I want to apply for this role as I would like to see if i'd be suitable to become a social worker so I know I could mention something like that here, but do I go personal?

Thanks folks. x

InsideInsurance

It is asking for salary and benefits as two separate areas or just a single one?

Leaving things blank on application forms is rarely a good idea, if it is a single area just do a single figure representing the average of salary + tips but also state what you average number of hours is (assuming it is less than 35-40)

To the nature of business, I would put catering as you cannot spin it any closer to what you want to do

As to roles and responsibities, if you dont know what you do then google a job advert and see what they are stating, evidently trying to spin them as much as possible to highlight transferable skills like teamwork, working under pressure, dealing with the public, trust via cash handling etc

Is it too personal to mention my own previous dealings with domestic abuse and child protection issues?

It depends what your dealings were. If you are talking about having done it professionally, of cause not. If you are saying you known people that were abused and were inspired by how the carers helped them then of cause not. If you are saying you were abused yourself then it is a little more ropey and if you do mention it i'd put it in a vague way of saying you've had exposure to them and seen the benefits they can deliver/ important jobs they do rather than explicitly saying what abuse you've suffered.

jen007

InsideInsurance wrote: »

It is asking for salary and benefits as two separate areas or just a single one?

They're a single one

Leaving things blank on application forms is rarely a good idea, if it is a single area just do a single figure representing the average of salary + tips but also state what you average number of hours is (assuming it is less than 35-40)

To the nature of business, I would put catering as you cannot spin it any closer to what you want to do
Do I just write catering, or do I not tell a little more about the business... it's a private contracter outsourced by the Golf Club, ect.

As to roles and responsibities, if you dont know what you do then google a job advert and see what they are stating, evidently trying to spin them as much as possible to highlight transferable skills like teamwork, working under pressure, dealing with the public, trust via cash handling etc

Thanks, I'll give that a go

It depends what your dealings were. If you are talking about having done it professionally, of cause not. If you are saying you known people that were abused and were inspired by how the carers helped them then of cause not. If you are saying you were abused yourself then it is a little more ropey and if you do mention it i'd put it in a vague way of saying you've had exposure to them and seen the benefits they can deliver/ important jobs they do rather than explicitly saying what abuse you've suffered.

Of course I would never speak of professional dealings with children of an abuse/neglect background but I myself have fled domestic abuse and like you said, I have seen the great work these people do for children who need help.

Thanks for the tips. I think I may loathe application forms, I've also to send a supporting CV with it.

McKneff

Never leave anything blank on an application form.

Company who I worked for I used to process the application forms and if there was a blank space, they used to get a rejection.

At the top of the form it said 'Please complete the form in full
I was told to do this by my boss because he said if they cant follow a simple instruction on paper, they wont in the workforce. It was as simple as that.
Good luck by the way.

InsideInsurance

jen007 wrote: »

Do I just write catering, or do I not tell a little more about the business... it's a private contracter outsourced by the Golf Club, ect.

Personally I would just say catering, though obviously I am not necessarily correct

The outsourcing arrangement, if its a ltd or plc, the fact it is slightly higher end than the local greasy spoon cafe doesnt make the greatest difference given the total change in direction. If you were trying to get into fine dining or high end restaurants then pointing out its a golf club could be more relevant

dawyldthing

Salary and benefits - I have been working on a ad-hoc basis on x an hour, but have put in all the hours required by my bosses and try and do the job to the best of my ability.

Nature of the business - working as a waitress for the local golf club helping serve xyz to customers at the golf club. I help serve drinks, food and help do all tasks as asked of me to the best of my ability.

It also asks me why i'm applying for the role, specifically 'Please give reasons for applying for this post. We are particularly interested in your reflections on your own personal history and the experiences which have shaped you.' I have decided to apply for the post as I am looking for a change of career and working with children and young people is always a field that I have been interested in working in. I have experience of working with children/young people by volunteering/babysitting/ta role. In addition I have helped look after my elderly relatives including ..... (if you have) which will help me in this role as I feel that I can have sympathy to their situation and act as a mentor to help them get the best out of them and help them be a role model to help in preparing for adulthood. (or something of the sorts).

I usually include things like this in my application letter too

jen007

I'm still struggling with the question . 'Please give reasons for applying for this post. We are particularly interested in your reflections on your own personal history and the experiences which have shaped you.'

I wonder if anyone could read over what i've written and suggest ways to enhance it? I think my dyslexia is really hitting me hard when it comes to application form writing.


I am applying for this role as child protection has always been something I am interested in. I know some people who have been in situations where various agencies have became involved in meeting their needs. I was inspired by these carers, and how much they have provided a strong network of support, as well as being a role model.
I feel that I would be a person who can supply this network of support in meeting the needs of children and ensuring that their welfare, development and care is always paramount. Through my own exposure to vulnerable situations, I can see the benefits that a person in the role can deliver and that everyone has an important role to play in the protection of children

ohreally

You havn't reflected on how your personal experiences fit the job role.

How would you supply this network of support in meeting needs of childern?

I note your in Scotland, is the employer requiring HNC/ SVQ III in Social Care - if so and you have completed this, have a look through the national occupational standards (childrens care, learning, development or CYP) for the sector your seeking work in, they will provide a valueble insight into how to proceed.

jen007

The employer is looking for a HNC in Social care or equivilant. Although it also states you don't have to be qualified but willing to work towards the above or higher.(Has both unqualified and qualified salary stated)

I myself have a HNC in Early Education and Childcare. I'm applying for the job to get a bit more experience in child protection before I go back to study for a BA in Social Work.


I'll try and word something that relates to meeting the needs of children that i've worked with, however the question before this asks:
'Please state give details of any relevant skills you will bring to the post applied for. This can include training, qualities, achievements at work and non-work related or voluntary experience. Please refer to the skills outlined in the person specification supplied.'

I've related a lot of my own experiences with the spec' given so I don't want to bore the person reading the same thing again.
Should I move these into the part i'm struggling with?

ohreally

I've had a quick look at the group awards for HNC childcare (G7CX 15), I'm not sure if it sits particularly well as an equivalent with social care tbh.

In terms of addressing the questions, all I can suggest is expand on what you've provided, fitting it around the person spec and core competencies, maybe tying in some of the theory to your personal experiences.

Sorry I can't be more specific.